Vroom

Candy Cane

Oh So Sweet!

This is Love

This is Love.

Sibling Love.

She is holding both of her brother's hands

These two were meant to be together

I think they really favor one another

I love this

Rare shot of all 3 babies

Weekend Gotta Getaway

It was Thursday evening- I had taken Everett to an unexpected trip to the doctor. Eleanor was with us as well. We had waited in the waiting room for over an hour. We were at the office for almost two hours! I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and was shocked. I looked tired. No. I looked exhausted. I realized I had job burn out. Not my job as a speech pathologist, but my job as a mother. I needed renewal. Refreshment. Just to get away for a quick minute. So, on the way home.....while Everett was in the backseat whining about something and Eleanor was screaming.....I called my mom and asked if she could watch the babies for Friday night and the following day. My sister and her boyfriend Jed were visiting and all three agreed to come help us out. I then called the Grove Park Inn and made a reservation. I was so excited, and so was Eric. 

Our room.

Friday evening we went to the Inn's Sunset Terrace. We had gone before when we were there for our honeymoon. It was too cold to eat out on the terrace, but it didn't matter. The atmosphere was lovely. The food was fantastic. And the company? Well let's just say we are really in to each other. It was perfect. 

After dinner we meandered around the inn enjoying all of the beautiful Christmas decorations. 

I just loved all the themed Christmas trees. 

And the Grove Park Inn is host to the National Gingerbread Competition. This was one of my favorites. 

The next morning we enjoyed room service for breakfast.....in our white fluffy GPI robes! We went back and forth about going to the spa, however it was a gorgeous day and we just had to get out and enjoy it. Complete freedom had caused us to not want to commit to just one thing. So we went Christmas shopping and ate lunch at a cafe with discussion of what this next year will bring. One thing is for sure-we agreed this must be an annual getaway. We came back refreshed and renewed, and if possible...that much closer. SO thankful for my family that made the weekend possible!

Preschool Party

Last Thursday Everett had his preschool program/party. The program was in the sanctuary of the church and the moment he saw me, it was all over. He ran to the pew where I was sitting and refused to go on stage with his classmates. I was disappointed, but that is just his personality. He did however have a great time at his party. Hampton enjoyed it as well.  I don't think we are going to have a problem with Hampton not wanting to perform when he is in preschool next year.

Polar Express Pajama Party and Other Holiday Fun

My mom came to visit this past weekend and we had a lot of fun. On Friday morning I took Everett and Hampton to the nursing home (skilled nursing facility to be more accurate) where I work. We passed out some crafts Everett had done in preschool this year to all the "grandmas and grandpas." Everett loved it! He was so polite and social. He walked around like he owned the place greeting people and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. It was great.

That evening after we toured the light show at Lake Julian we went to Barnes and Noble for a Polar Express pajama party! The kids all wore their jammies and one of the workers read The Polar Express. They then did a craft and had hot chocolate and cookies. 

The boys soon just ended up at the train set however. 

Hampton sat for about a minute of the story and then planted himself right in front of the woman reading the story, blocking every one's view. Such a little rascal. 

Saturday we took the boys to see Santa at the mall. Everett had a meltdown, but we managed to get him in the picture. Hampton looked dumbfounded and sweet Eleanor just was all smiles. I will have to try to scan the picture so I can share. Meltdowns occur now and then, however we have to keep making holiday memories!

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!

I put Hampy in this hat tonight and suddenly he became Ralphie from a Christmas story. Blue eyes. Blonde hair. The glasses. Do you see it!?!